Camden Thompson
Mahia,HKB
Summary
I am a maintenance and diagnostics engineer currently working as a Senior Launch Technician - Mechanical for Rocket Lab Ltd, I am looking for a challenging job where I can apply my almost 14 years of experience that has been learned though a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, on the job training and building and now rebuilding many race cars. I have years of experience working in high pressure, low tolerance environments from live field fire exercises in the army to launching a rocket to the moon.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Launch Technician – Mechanical
Rocket Lab Ltd
03.2022 - Current
- As a Senior Launch Technician for RocketLab I have launched 34 rockets into low earth orbit and one to the moon as a pathfinder mission for the NASA Artemis program.
- This has been done consistently for 3 years without major faults.
- My main roles as the lead technician on the launch pad are being responsible for on pad launch operations, including safety supervision of other pad personnel. Tasks I can be responsible for are leading the mating of the rocket to the launch pad, kerosene fueling, gas/cryogenic pad setup, on pad vehicle operations, fault finding, diagnostics, and repair of critical launch pad systems during launch operations
- Rebuild and maintenance of most mechanical launch systems. This includes building high pressure gas, combustible gasses and liquids, cryogenic liquids and gaseous systems. It also includes building, maintaining and testing the mechanical systems on the pad
- Reducing the time required for Integrated system system testing and streamlining launch operations, both of which have dramatically improved during my time.
- Assisting the Vehicle Integration Technicians with testing, assembling and preparing the rocket prior to it leaving the hanger
- This includes stage mates, power pack removal and installation, and preparing the rocket for roll-out to the pad
- I am responsible for training new Launch Technicians
- Ground Control Operator during launch pad system testing
Maintenance Fitter section head
New Zealand Defence Force
12.2018 - 03.2022
- 5 years of experience working with large million-dollar electro-hydraulic bridging systems
- Experience with reverse osmosis water purification systems
- Experience with fuel storage and pumping equipment
- Repairing decontamination equipment
- Light fabrication
- Instructed on the courses to teach this equipment to new apprentices
Maintenance Fitter
New Zealand Defence Force
02.2012 - 12.2018
- Working as a section member on the equipment above
- Less emphasis on the bridging equipment, more focus on fuel storage, field kitchens and pumping equipment
- Engaged in light fabrication
Education
NZ2612 New Zealand Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Open Polytechnic
08.2024
L4 Mechanical Engineering - General Engineering
New Zealand Defence Force
10.2016
Skills
- Self-motivated
- Welding
- Checklists
- Electro-hydraulic systems
- Fitting
- Fueling operations
- Liquid oxygen cleaning
- High pressure hard lines
- Pneumatic systems
- Excel
- Attention to detail
- Preventive Maintenance
LANGUAGES
English Proficient
Certification
National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4), General Engineering
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3) With University Entrance
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of law and practice for the transport of Dangerous Goods by road
Demonstrate knowledge and skills for driving a forklift on a road for endorsement F (forklifts)
Interests
Motorsports:
I have spent the last 6 years building race cars in my own time and assisting friends and family building theirs I have built my own race car to MSNZ (Motor sport New Zealand) regulations, and I am currently rebuilding a Formula Challenge car The biggest challenge for rebuilding this car is bringing it up to modern safety standards, which have dramatically changed in 22 years
I am a member of MSNZ and have both competed in racing events and helped on the side with volunteering for flag marshalling
Timeline
Senior Launch Technician – Mechanical
Rocket Lab Ltd
03.2022 - Current
Maintenance Fitter section head
New Zealand Defence Force
12.2018 - 03.2022
Maintenance Fitter
New Zealand Defence Force
02.2012 - 12.2018
L4 Mechanical Engineering - General Engineering
New Zealand Defence Force
NZ2612 New Zealand Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Open Polytechnic
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